HealthyLife Articles

Author: AIPM

  • Bloated Belly: Ways To Get Relief

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of tea and different tea leaves.

    Most people have felt a bloated stomach after a big meal. Usually, the belly feels overly full. It can make clothing feel tighter. The belly may look swollen. Bloating is usually caused by too much food or air and gas getting trapped in the intestines.

    But some people get bloated even when they didn’t eat too much. In some cases, it can be downright painful. The best way to address painful bloating is to find the cause and know how you can treat it.

    Bloating culprits

    The most common causes include:

    *  Dairy foods. If you notice bloating after eating cheese, ice cream, or drinking milk, you could have lactose intolerance.

    *  Gum. Swallowing air while chewing can cause bloating.

    *  Eating too much fiber at once. Fiber is great for you, but if your body isn’t used to it, you can get bloated and uncomfortable. Increase the amount you eat gradually.

    *  Bowel problems. Being constipated or having irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause painful bloating. Drinking plenty of water can help with constipation and fiber absorption.

    *  Menstrual cycles. Some women get bloated because their body holds extra water before or during their periods.

    Treat bloating at home

    Many times, bloating can be managed at home. Here’s how:

    *  Write down what you eat and drink. Record when you get stomach pain or bloating.

    *  Cut back on gum.

    *  Avoid carbonated drinks.

    *  Drink plenty of water to keep the bowels moving. Don’t use a straw when drinking.

    *  Eat enough fiber. Start with fruits and vegetables. Eat only small amounts of beans, lentils and other gas-causing foods until you get used to them.

    *  Watch out for sugar-free foods. Some artificial sweeteners can cause bloating and gas.

    *  Ginger, peppermint, chamomile or fennel herbal teas may help. Always ask a doctor before using herbs if you have a health condition or take any medicines.

    *  Over-the-counter anti-gas medicines with simethicone help move gas bubbles out of the body.

    When to see your doctor

    Call a doctor or seek immediate medical care if you notice bloating with:

    *  Blood with bowel movements (stool)

    *  Losing weight without making an effort

    *  Nausea or vomiting

    *  For women: menstrual bleeding between periods or after menopause

    *  Fever

    *  Severe pain that won’t go away

    These could be signs of a serious health issue that needs treatment.

    Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Beating Jet Lag

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Man sleeping on plane.

    Summer travel plans may take you to places across the globe. While this can be exciting, switching to a different time zone can take a toll on the body.

    The body has its own internal clock that tells you when to be awake and when to sleep. This is your circadian rhythm.

    If you travel to a different time zone, the clock gets disrupted:

    You may be awake when it’s nighttime or want to sleep during the day. This can make you exhausted. Jet lag can also cause:

    *  Headaches

    *  Feeling irritable

    *  Trouble concentrating

    *  Loss of appetite

    *  Upset stomach

    *  Diarrhea

    There are some ways to fight jet lag so you can enjoy your trip:

    *  Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your arrival.

    *  Avoid alcohol. Some people think a nightcap will help them sleep. But alcohol actually disrupts sleep and makes you more tired.

    *  Use your travel time wisely. If you’ll be on a plane during the “new” night time, try to rest. Use a sleep mask and ear plugs. Avoid staring at TV screens or other devices.

    *  Be careful with caffeine. If you must have caffeine, drink it in the new time zone’s morning hours. Avoid it after lunch.

    *  Get out in the sun. When you get to your destination, go outside if it’s daytime. This will help to tell your body when to be awake.

    *  Skip naps if possible. Napping could make it harder for you to fall asleep at the correct time. If you take a nap at 6 p.m., you could be awake most of the night.

    *  Consider melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that your body makes to tell you that it’s time for sleep. Taking melatonin at your new bedtime can help you sleep better. It is available over-the-counter, but ask your doctor before trying it.

    Source: National Sleep Foundation

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Be Kind To Your Kidneys

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of person holding plastic kidneys.

    Did you know that your kidneys are responsible for many important body functions? Kidneys are designed to:

    *  Keep the body’s fluid levels in check

    *  Remove extra fluid and waste from the blood, which exits the body as urine

    *  Activate vitamin D for healthy bones

    *  Balance minerals in the blood

    *  Direct the making of red blood cells

    *  Make a hormone that keeps blood pressure within a normal range

    Kidney disease: a hidden danger

    Chronic kidney disease, sometimes called CKD, can interfere with the kidneys’ important jobs. It can lead to heart attack, stroke, weak bones, anemia and other life-threatening problems.

    One of the problems with CKD is many people don’t find out that they have it until the later stages. Then, there could be more severe kidney damage and complications. About 1 in 7 people have some form of CKD.

    But there is good news. Getting treated early means kidney damage can be slowed or even stopped. That’s why it’s important to see your doctor and get kidney tests if needed.

    Know your risk

    If you have one of the following conditions, it means you may have a higher chance of getting CKD. Talk with your doctor about your kidney health if you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.

    Tests are best

    If you have one of the risk factors listed below, your doctor may want to perform one or more of these tests:

    *  Blood pressure check: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys.

    *  Protein in urine test: If a person’s urine contains a certain type of protein, it may be an early sign of CKD.

    *  Creatinine in blood test: If the kidneys aren’t working well, they can’t take a waste product called creatinine out of the blood.

    *  Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test: This measures creatinine levels and calculates other CKD risk factors too.

    What to do

    If you find out you have CKD, your doctor may recommend:

    *  Lowering high blood pressure

    *  Keeping blood sugar under control if you have diabetes

    *  Eating less sodium (salt)

    *  Not taking NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen

    *  Eating only a moderate amount of protein

    *  Getting a flu shot each year

    Even if your kidneys are healthy, you can help keep them that way by:

    *  Not smoking or getting help to quit

    *  Working toward a healthy weight

    *  Getting blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly

    *  Annual blood sugar testing

    *  Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables

    *  Seeing your doctor as recommended

    *  Knowing your family medical history

    Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Kidney Foundation

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Blood Cancer: Key Facts

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Illustration of cancer attacking blood cells.

    Your blood is made up of many different types of cells. These include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. White blood cells protect the body from harmful substances and prevent infections.

    Blood cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells. The abnormal cells do not work properly, preventing them from carrying out their essential functions. As the dysfunctional cells accumulate in the blood, they crowd out healthy cells.

    It’s important to know what signs and symptoms to look for. Be sure to check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about blood cancer.

    Three main types of blood cancer

    Leukemia

    Leukemia is cancer that affects the bone marrow where blood cells are made. From the bone marrow, it spreads to the blood and can affect other organs.

    Lymphoma

    This type of blood cancer impacts the white blood cells in the lymphatic system. There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin, which spreads directly from one lymph node to another, and Non-Hodgkin, which spreads erratically through the lymph nodes.

    Multiple myeloma

    Myeloma affects plasma cells. These are white blood cells that produce antibodies to fight infections. When the plasma cells don’t function correctly, the body’s immune system doesn’t work properly.

    Symptoms of blood cancer

    Talk to your doctor if you experience the following:

    *  Fatigue

    *  Fever

    *  Unexplained weight loss

    *  Bone pain

    *  Swollen lymph nodes

    *  Frequent infections

    Survival rates have steadily increased

    Fifty years ago, there were few successful treatments for blood cancer. Now, there is a range of treatment options available, and more people achieve remission than ever before. Early detection and improved treatments have increased five-year survival rates and provide hope for the future.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Be Kind To Your Voice

    WORK LIFE

    Man smiling.

    Your voice is unique to you. You probably use it every day for work. But do you give it the TLC it needs to stay healthy and clear?

    Do you have a job where you use your voice often?

    Attorneys, teachers, sales people, human resources and customer service rely heavily on their voice for work.

    If you need your voice for work, avoid misusing it. If you misuse it, you may lose it!

    You can overuse or misuse your voice by talking in a large meeting room or noisy place by shouting or talking for long periods. You may have a sore throat or hoarseness afterward.

    Prepare your voice for long talks or loud meetings.

    Before a presentation or meeting, get plenty of rest. Drink water before, during and after your meeting. Use throat lozenges if needed. Use a microphone to help you avoid shouting.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Bone Broth:Worth The Hype?

    HEALTHY EATING

    Image of bone broth soup.

    People have been cooking bones to make bone broth for thousands of years.

    Today, this age-old recipe is being promoted as a superfood. But, do these health claims hold water? Here are three main points to keep in mind:

    1.  Homemade bone broth usually contains more protein than store-bought broth.

    2.  You can make your broth healthier by adding vegetables and herbs – and skipping the salt.

    3.  Currently, there is no solid evidence that bone broth has any additional or special medicinal properties, but research is ongoing.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Breastfeeding And Work

    WORK LIFE

    Breast pump bottle filled with milk.

    Going back to work doesn’t mean an end to breastfeeding. Many new moms find they can pump their breastmilk while at work. This allows them to keep their milk supply up. It also gives them milk to feed their baby later, so they can reduce the need for formula.

    *  Ask your employer about a place to pump at work. You should have a place to pump safely and privately that’s not a bathroom.

    *  Your employer should also allow adequate break times to pump.

    *  Invest in a quality pump. Many moms find that electric pumps are easier and faster than manual ones. A pump may be covered by your insurance.

    *  Have ice packs and coolers to store your milk while at work. It’s important to keep breastmilk fresh and safe for your baby.

    Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Be Smart About Credit Card Offers

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Image of man getting mail from mailbox.

    Offers in the mail

    Credit card companies, auto loan companies and other lenders can get a list of names for their credit card offers. They get information from credit reporting agencies about people who have a minimum credit score. Then, they use that list to send out offers for a new card.

    Saying “no” to mail offers

    If you are receiving credit card offers in the mail and don’t want them, there are two things you can do.

    You can opt out of credit card offers for five years. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT  (1-888-567-8688) or visitoptoutprescreen.com. To opt out forever, you must download and mail a signed paper form. You can get the form on the opt-out website.

    Beware – the opt-out feature only works for certain credit card offers, though. Companies may get your name if they have done business with you before. They may also get your name from other sources that aren’t connected to the credit reporting agencies, such as memberships or subscriptions.

    Why is my child getting a credit card offer?

    Sometimes, a person under 21 years of age gets a credit card offer in the mail. This may happen if the company purchased a list of names and didn’t know that the person was not an adult. But, credit card companies cannot intentionally send their offers to people under 21 years old without permission.

    Phone calls

    Like mail offers, credit card companies can get your name from credit agencies and call you with an offer. You can register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry to stop these calls. Visitwww.donotcall.govor call 1-888-382-1222 to put your phone number on the do not call list.

    What is a prescreened credit card offer?

    Credit card companies can find out if you have a certain credit score. Then, they can offer you a credit card based on that information. This is known as a prescreened offer because they already have some information about your credit. It is not a guarantee that you will get the card. You still have to apply for it and be approved.

    Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine